Hassel, I have heard both in many occasion. I also have the C200 pre. It is one of the best. I had the BAT VK-51SE prior to the C200 and the C200 just has much better synergy with the McIntosh power amp. Comparing the MC501 to the MC402. The MC501 had more of everything, it has a more extended top end, better dynamic and a bigger and tighter bottom. It compares well and better many high end offering that I have heard and I've heard a lot. For the price it was asking it seems reasonable. That make many other high end offerings seems totally/ridiculously over price. I think the Stereophile write up was right on, say no more! My speaker is the JM Lab Alto, nice synergy there. It was an accident I came across McIntosh couple years ago. I have my nose up and my leg and eye cross. My audiopile friend who has an all Spectral MIT system makes (force) me listen to it. I am glad that he did and now I am a fan.
